The East Antrim MP, Mr Roy Beggs, has admitted taking part in a blockade of the port of Larne and obstructing an RUC inspector during a loyalist protest last summer. Larne Magistrate's court was told that Mr Beggs (50) was one of 400 who sat down, blocking both lanes of the dual carriageway at Larne on July 10th last year. They were protesting in support of the loyalist stand off with police at Drumcree in Portadown.
The court was told that Mr Beggs, of Carnduff Road in the town, was among a group of protesters on the road when police arrived at 8.30 p.m.
Mr Beggs told the court he had left his office and was making his way home when he came across the protest. He said the blockade was taking place in his constituency and he felt it was his duty as an MP to stay and prevent a breach of the peace or conflict with the RUC.
He told the court he sat down on the road because he feared that an approach by the RUC riot squad towards the crowd could lead to trouble. He told the court he accepted he had blocked the road. The magistrate, Mr Robert Alcorn, reserved judgement.